Rich Monetti
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I am, I write.
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Author Discusses African American Cemeteries in Westchester
Photo by Patrick Feller You cannot travel very far in Westchester without coming across a burial site that dates back well beyond our current century. Each stone containing a hidden history, author Patrick Raftery of the Westchester Historical Society has written three volumes on the subject. “I think through burial practices, you learn a lot about people and the situations they faced,” said the author of The Cemeteries of Westchester County.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in The Swamp
The Plattsburgh Bookend to My Freshman Year Walk of Shame Appearance
I began my computer science degree by executing a simple program. My code was to read in a series of grades, sort the list and compute the average. At the time, the assignment seemed monumental and had me on serious edge. But the numbers scrolling down the screen by week’s end, I knew I would eventually graduate, and I celebrated with a rather odd appearance on the Plattsburgh walk of shame. However, the actual proof that I could finish what I started came five years later. A moment of truth that revealed itself in one last program.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Education
Bobcats win 46-45 Thriller to Take Section One Title
Last year when Byram Hills found themselves in the Section Finals, the Bobcats almost had one foot out the door before stepping on the floor. They were blown out 75-41 against heavily favored Spring Valley. Last night, though, the matchup was a tossup, and when Rob McWilliams’ halfcourt heave at the buzzer thudded off the glass for Tappan Zee, the slim margin of error favored the Bobcats. Thus, they are the Section One, Class Champs and leave a memory for Byram Hills that may never come down.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Unbalanced
Best Second Tier 'Star Trek' Episodes from The Original Series
Photo by Luis Daniel Carbia Cabeza Yeah, we know. "Space Seed", "City on the Edge of Forever" and "The Trouble" are among the classic Star Trek episodes that get all the accolades. And well they should, but how about a look at some of the greatest episodes on the next tier down? You won’t be disappointed, and maybe there’s a little new insight that you might have missed.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Futurism
Rye Celebrates 350th Anniversary
Photo by Eduardo Mueses The home of John Jay, Rye celebrates its 350th anniversary this year. Historically rich, a “Tenacious” population of African American survivors and Gilded Age railroad commuters, the Knapp House, and the Square House are leading the celebration. With a series of events, the Rye Historical Society will capture the past and light up the summer for its attentive residents.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in The Swamp
My Five Most Painful New York Sports Minutes
Photo by Corn Farmer 1984 Game 5 Playoff Loss to the New York Islanders My father was a Ranger fan so I followed suit. But I didn't watch much hockey, and my following mostly amounted to checking the standings. I began taking note when the Rangers and Islanders played in the 1975 playoffs. Pre-cable, none of the games were televised. But it certainly sounded exciting that the Islanders scored eight seconds into the game deciding overtime to take the series. The Islanders went on to defeat the Penguins after trailing 3-0 and then forced a game seven after trailing 3-0 to the Flyers. I watched the final game and realized hockey was worth my attention. Nonetheless, I stayed off the airwaves, but it was another Islander game seven that made me a fan. They lost an overtime thriller to Toronto, and I was ready for 1979. But I stuck with my lineage. The process was facilitated as the young Ranger team was on the upswing. They upset the Islanders in the playoffs, and I was all in. I even felt bad for their second straight heartbreaking exit. But there proved little need for that. The Islanders would incur my wrath by winning four straight cups and knock the Rangers out three times.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Unbalanced
Jonny Wickersham of Social Distortion is at Home with His Music
Photo by Ed Vill Growing up in the home of a guitarist, Jonny Wickersham of Social Distortion amplified his father's country rock sound in favor of Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix and the like. But his early aspiration could not equal his inspiration, and he retreated to an instrument in the bass that was more his speed. He eventually found his strum and would go onto become a staple in the California punk rock scene with U.S. Bombs, Cadillac Tramps and the L.A.'s Youth Brigade. He eventually landed with Social D in 2000. But that doesn't mean he has been able to simply coast with the talent he has been given.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Beat
The Trial of the Chicago 7 on Netflix Feels Pretty Good
Netflix, Poster My study of American History makes me no stranger to the 60s and the Vietnam War. That said, I know very few details about the Chicago 7. In fact, I didn’t even know that Abbie Hoffman was among those on trial. At the same time, I’ve also learned that learning history from the movies is a poor substitute for understanding. So I was reluctant to take my curriculum from the Netflix movie, but with some encouragement, I gave it a go.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks
Yorktown's KRISTKO Leaves it to the Listener to 'Extrapolate' her New Song
To a lot of us, the United States has become recognizable. So we are left to cry out and plead for sanity. Anyway we can, our voice demands to be heard, and despite what seems almost futile, KRISTKO joins the chorus in her new song.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Beat
My Most Memorable Celebrity Interview Moments
A few years back, I had a real fun run interviewing celebrities for a publication called Times Square Magazine. Chazz Palmiteri, Michael Emerson of Lost, Lynda Carter, Larry Manetti of Magnum PI and Southside Johnny were among the more notable. Of course, having a global icon queued up for a conversation is a little unsettling. But I pretty much went about my business once the dial tone gave way. Here’s a few of my shinning moments.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks
Gary Puckett Remembers Union Gap and Young Girl
Photo by badgreeb RECORDS As musicians themselves, the parents of Classic Rock Icon Gary Puckett made sure their children grew up in a home where music was often played and listened to. His dad played the sax and sang in Barbershop Quartets, and his mom was an accomplished piano player who taught students at home. But the American dream they aspired to for their children didn’t involve all the uncertainty a musician’s life can have. Being the good son, Puckett attended San Diego City College, where he enrolled as a psyche student. Essentially unable to repress his true calling, he left the unconscious to others and followed the inescapable pull toward performing.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Beat
Walter White's Seven Step Program into Hell
Photo by Gage Skidmore If there was ever a way back for Walter White after tallying 201 souls, settling with Skylar provided the moment. He finally admitted his true motivations. "I did it for me. I liked it. I was good at it. And I was really -- I was alive." But descent was a long road and each rung down wasn’t necessarily marked by Walt’s darkest moments. In other words, Walter had to build an evil tolerance and develop the skills to sink to such hideous depths. Otherwise, he could never have executed deeds like allowing Jane to die or poisoning Brock. So here’s a look back at the seven steps that gaves us Heisenberg in all his glory and secured Walter White's place in Hell.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks
